Mondaymorning 8 o'clock Belize time.
Thank you all for your messages. It is good to know that there are people out there thinking about you. But don't worry, we are still OK.
Against all predictions, Keith has remained more or less stationary, moving only a little to the south, meaning that it stayed around San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According the latest information, the system now lies between Turneffe and Ambergris Caye. The radio is transmitting messages to the general public, NOT to pay attention to CNN and the Weather channel. Apparently, their information is more sensation than facts.
Obviously, things are bad in other parts of Belize. There is still hardly any news from the islands, so we don't really know what has happened there. Last night there was one report of all of Caye Caulker being covered by water as a result of storm surge with all the buildings on the backstreet [westside of the island] being gone. Friends of us in Belize City report that they had a scary night but they didn't suffer any damage nor can they see damage around them. But electricity is down and there is no water. This seems to be the most important mainland damage. Fallen down trees, electricity/telephone poles. No major flooding as yet, but rivers are rising and much more rain is expected.
No news from Sarteneja as yet. When I call, I can't get through. But I doubt that any inland site has suffered serious damage apart from some damaged houses. Biggest problem is going to be to get everything going again. Electricity, phone, water, airline connections etc.
Jan Meerman
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections
P.O. Box 208, Belmopan, Belize
Tel/fax 501-91-2017
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